Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1887-04-21

The refined and cultured from various parts Of
the country, east, west, north and south, are
attracted here largely by its being the seat of
THE FLORIDA oHAUTAUQuA ASSEMBLY,
Which is as remarkable as it is surprising-an
institution that sprung up here, where four
years ago was a virgin wilderness, and is now
a centre to which annually are attracted multi
tudes to enjoy entertainment or instruction
from some of the most noted men in the
country, distinguished for eloqaence, literary
and scientific attainments.
The assembly for this vear is over Such
men as Bishops Malialicu and Walden of the
NJ. E. church. Dewitt Miller, Dean Wright,
Dr.. Holms, DR.. Davidson, Prof. Edwards, Sam
Jones, Wallace tie poet, and DR.. Willis,
graced the platform. We had most excellent
music. Frequent scenes of recreation and
enjoyment are sandwitched in from time to
time, such as fireworks, illuminations, music
on the lake and camp-fires.
EXCURSIONS AND PIcNIcs
Are frequently made to points in the surround
ing country and to places on the P. & A. R. R.,
such as Pensacola, Ronifay and Mariana. To
the latter place, in jackson county, a party of
about l25 Of US went recently on invitation of
the good people of the town. They met US at
-
gave us a hearty welcome in a speech of one of
their number; took US around town, and then out
about mile to the border of a little river,
where they had most bountiful dinner spread,
of which we were invited to partake. Among
other danties served US at our table was a dish
of ripe Strawberries, brought to our little party
BY lady of the place who saved them especially
for US, she said.
After dinner speeches were made, in which
many compliments and congratulations were
given. We were then driven out about six
miles TO celebrated spring, called "Moss
SPRING" which | think is the most beautiful
gem in that line / ever saw. At the bottom
grows long wavey moss. The water is as clear
as crystal. The reflection of the sky gives the
water an indigO-bluu hinge ard the sunlight a
silvery white, making most beautiful sight
We were then driven back to town. We were
all northerners-they ali southerners, but
think we captured each other. They enter
tanned us most royalty. Never could more
cordial, generous and courteous treatment be
given than we received that day. Mariana is
an old settled place of some 800 population.
The place is beautifully situated on high ground,
surrounded by plantations of improved and
cultivated land, but not much thrift. Land
can be bought for five dollars per acre.
speaking OF tnrllt ana enterprise, the best
specimen of it have seen in this region since
coming to Florida, / saw on yesterday in driv-
ing out four miles south to the place of Mr.
Fay, who is Norwegian. He and his young
wife came here about two months ago from the
Sandwich Islands. He has 800 acres fenced,
divided into number of fields; has built two
small houses and barn. A very fine house
for himself is nearly completed; has water
brought up to the house from spring by means
of hydraulic pump; is making other conven-
FENCES. All this done in two months is remark
able and commendable, and shows what energy,
pluck, taste, skill and good management will
do. We were treated very cordially and shown
around. On leaving we were invited cordially
to come and see them again.
1t is my deliberate Judgment that if the lands
of Florida are to be settled up, utilized and de-
veloped, it will have to be done by just such
people as Mr. Fay. The native crackers will
never do it; they are too stupid and thriftless.
Why, can find you families, and not large
ones, either,who own quarter section or more
of fair, average land, who have not the tact,
energy or sense to make even half decent
living upon it, to say nothing about the luxur
les. You may say this is the fault of the land.
It may be so in some cases, but 1 think in
most cases it is the fault of the people. H. C. W.